1981 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 45 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
Because 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Chevrolet |
| Model | Toronado | Impala |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2807 mm |
